Wednesday, January 9, 2013

The radio station I listen to has been having a segment on Monday mornings on “Saving Money”.They talk about different ideas and things you can do or do differently to save money.

Last week they brought up buying meat locally and buying it by quarters, halves or whole animal.But like they said, then you have to have the freezer space to do it.

For some people this is not efficient.They don’t use all the different cuts or would never use that much in one year.A key in trying to save money is in looking at what you use and how you use it.It is not always a matter of the sticker price.

You can actually save money by buying individual packages of meat from Venneford Farm Country Meats at the farmers market over buying the same cut of meat on sale at a grocery store by reducing waste.

I have heard the same story over and over.‘They had a big sale on meat at the grocery store so I bought 10 pound, I put 5 pounds in the freezer right away and was going to use the rest that week, but, the next day the meat was all slimy and smelled spoiled, I had to throw it out.When I went to use some I put in the freezer, by the time it thawed it was also spoiled.’The reason for this is that the meat is already days away from spoiling and the store puts it on sale to try to get some return on their money before they have to throw the rest out.So, if you don’t use it the same day you purchased it you may be throwing your money away.

If you change your mind or put off making what you planned enough times, throwing out spoiled meat each time, you will have spent more on the cheap sale meat than you would have spent buying a top quality cut of meat from us.And, our meat is frozen at the peak of its freshness so once thawed out you can change your mind and delay making that meal for days and still come back to that cut and use it later and it will still be tasty and fresh.

Another story I have heard is ‘We bought the meat on sale, it was such a good price but only one piece was tender and tasty, the rest was so bad we gave it to the dog.’That meat may have been cheap but was it worth it to use grocery dollars to feed the dog?

So, sometimes the savings is in buying quality not the cheapest price.

Heat the oil in a large heavy pan. Add the potatoes and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 6-8 minutes, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain. Add the onions (to peel them easily, place in boiling water for 1 minute) to the same pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 8 minutes, until golden. Remove the onions, add the meat to the pan and cook, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, until lightly browned. Pour in the wine, add the cinnamon or allspice, and season with salt and pepper. Mix the tomato paste with 2 cups water, pour into the pan, and add the onions and bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add the potatoes and simmer for 1 hour more, until all the ingredients are tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick and glossy sauce. Serve immediately. Serves 4. Preparation time 40 minutes. Cooking time 2 hours.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

This is how we ensure a great quality product for you.
And now your pets can benifit too.

We have had our smoked beef bones for dogs for many years. Besides buying them from us at the farm market, You can even buy them from Turtle Pond Bakery in the summer and from 2 Paws Up Bakery year round.

BUT now you will also be able to get beef and liver treats for your pet from us at the farm market and they are all made from beef and liver from our cattle.

The "Motivator" Liver treats are hormone and antibiotic free. They are little pieces of dried liver. They are dried, cut and packaged for us by 2 Paws Up Bakery. These are primarily a Dog treat.

The Beef "Country Pet Treats" are also hormone and antibiotic free and made strickly with beef from our animals. They are made by Turtle Pond Bakery using her recipes. These will be softer and so they can be used for Dogs or Cats.

We started with the liver treats last week at the farm market and this week will have the Beef treats also.

This is a great time of the year to be getting your pets something special. These also make great gifts for your pet or for another pet lover.

Vendor of the Year 2012

Awarded for Summer and Winter Farm Markets, vendor of the year for outstanding service in starting the Winter Farm market in 2001

Our farm is just outside of Clintonville, WI. For more info on how we raise our cattle click on the photo.

Winter Farm Market

Downtown Appleton Indoor Winter Farm Market100 College Ave. 9:00am to 12:30.
Inside the City Center Plaza.
Every Saturday November thru March.
We are located in the main enterance near the elevator.

Natural Raised Meat

OUR GOAL is to provide our customers with the best tasting and tenderest beef , pork and chicken we can.

Beef , Pork and chicken are raised the old fashioned way with NO hormones, NO steroids, NO antibiotics for 12 months to their entire life prior to butchering. NO cheap feed substitutes (which can alter the flavor of the meat) are used. The chicken and beef are free range.

All of our meat is sold frozen and in small packages. One steak at a time, customized bulk boxes or even quarters and halves. We can accommodate any family size from one person to a large family.